THE ORCHID REVIEW. 243 
be cut very small with shears, mixed with cut sphagnum moss, and then 
used in the usual way. One great advantage is that it contains no fine 
earthy matter, and the plants can be watered freely without the slightest 
risk of the compost becoming sour, while the roots soon take complete 
possession of it. Periodical top-dressings may also be given, with the best 
results. In certain cases the improvement shown is estimated by Mr. 
Williams at almost one hundred per cent., and certainly the plants of 
Odontoglossum crispum and others are in the most robust health, while the 
same may be said of Lelia purpurata and others now established in it. As 
the treatment is not varied in any other particular, it is clear that the 
improvement shown is due to the compost alone, and we have much 
pleasure in recommending its extended use. It will not do for everything, 
however, as Dendrobiums are said to show no improvement, while Cypri- 
pediums placed in it are a failure—which might be expected, seeing that 
they are terrestrial and prefer good fibrous loam to peat. 
We believe that M. Massange was one of the first to introduce poly- 
podium fibre for potting Orchids in, and that its use was rather a matter of 
necessity than choice. The fact is, Orchids will not succeed in bog peat, 
to which class most of the Belgian peat belongs, hence the experiments 
with a likely substitute so close at hand. And as the roots alone are used, 
we do not see why the supply should fail, or that the polypodium should be 
exterminated as one of our readers has suggested. Another states that he 
finds a difficulty in obtaining it, as very little seems to be known about it in 
this country. It may however be obtained in small bales from some of the 
dealers, who should make the fact more widely known. We hope some of 
our readers who have tried it will give us the benefit of their experience. 
THE WALTON GRANGE COLLECTION. 
THE collection of W. J. Thompson, Esq., of Walton Grange, Stone, 
Staffordshire, has long been famous for its Odontoglossums, which are prime 
favourites with their genial owner. Other groups are well represented, as 
will presently be seen, but this genus occupies the post of honour, and con- 
sequently forms a centre of special interest. The collection is a representa- 
tive one, as regards cultivated species, and moreover, contains a large 
number of superb varieties of various kinds, nearly three thousand plants 
being grown altogether. They are also well cultivated and in splendid 
health—in fact, one plant of O. crispum has been in the collection for a 
quarter of a century, which speaks volumes for the sagacity and intelligence of 
Mr. Thompson’s gardener, Mr. Walter Stevens, who is almost a part of the 
collection which has been under his charge for this period. During May 
last we had the pleasure of seeing over two hunrded spikes of various kinds 
